5 Minutes With… Elizabeth Scarlett

Today, we’re continuing our quest to zoom in on the little things in life by catching up one of our favourite designers – Elizabeth Scarlett. Founded by Elizabeth herself, the London-based lovely creates luxurious homeware inspired by soft lighting, tranquil colour palettes, and the gorgeous South of France. If you haven’t checked out her beautiful products yet then hop to it! But not before we catch up with the lady herself to chat all things interior goals…

What sparked the idea for Elizabeth Scarlett?

In short, it was an overwhelming desire to help bring a softer more colourful aesthetic to the everyday. I love how materials, patterns, textures and tones can have a calming effect and so I started Elizabeth Scarlett to share beautiful things with people, that both inspire and create a sense of lightness.

Who or what inspires your beautiful designs?

I start by escaping into my imagination and revisiting inspiring places from my travels. It usually ends up being a faraway tropical place. I then start to focus on the details and start to piece together what the dreamiest version of that location would look like – what the colours would be, the flowers, the time of year, the smells, and the sounds. Using these as stimulus, I start mood-boarding and after that, the pencil hits paper and the designs start flowing!

How do you like to incorporate pattern into your own home?

I always think it’s best to use pattern and illustrations to bring personality to your home in a subtle way so, for me, it’s always against a backdrop of white textiles, plants and authentic pieces that keep your home grounded and relaxed. I like to incorporate pattern in a subtle way with my white-on-white embroidered sheets, mixed with a glimmering gold quilt and my patterned cushions for some depth. I keep it simple, trying not to put too many colours into any given living space. I also love to play with light. Using my candles to set the ambience in almost every room.

Any tips for dressing your home without spending a fortune?

Always invest in the things that you will use time and time again and then accessorise with cute more affordable items such as candles, plants, prints and deco pieces. I love a gold pineapple for character (see Not on the High Street) and always pick up my paintings, prints, and light-fittings in vintage markets for unique pieces with a story.

What’s one tiny tweak that everyone could make to a room to instantly transform their space?

Clear out your clutter and look to balance the room. I have found, for example, that having an equal amount of items on your mantelpiece (imagine it’s like a set of scales and needs to balance in the middle) can lift a room. In the same way, nature can play a huge part – just by adding a few plants you can create stories in your space that are inspiring and draw your eye around the room.

What’s your favourite piece in your collection?

I love my Palmier quilt. I snuggle up under it every night. It’s both light and warm at the same time and reminds me of childhood holidays in my favourite part of the South of France.

What beauty product do you reach for when you need an instant pick-me-up?

I love a good moisturiser to give an immediate boost. Estée Lauder’s wake up balm is my favourite at the moment.

What does the future hold for Elizabeth Scarlett?

2017 is set to be another busy year. May will see the launch of my third collection – Natural Beauty – and I’m working on some exciting charity partnerships which are close to my heart. But also some dreamy beauty collaborations and new product launches later this year!

Feeling inspired? Head over to @BirchboxUK on Instagram to be in with a chance of winning some goodies from Elizabeth Scarlett, worth £250!